Shea's Blog Brigade
I had the good fortune to be in Atlanta on business last Thursday on Susan's birthday. Steve and Jess were enjoying a father-son camping trip up in the hills of North Carolina so Shea, Luke and I celebrated with Susan at a wonderful little restaurant in a nearby town.
Before dinner we stopped off at Firenze, the cool coffee shop owned by good friends of the Hickoks where Luke works his barista magic each morning. He has great friends there, and it's clear he loves what he does. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I enjoyed all the Hickok art displayed throughout the shop. The works include a number of large pieces demonstrating Steve's comfort in art forms ranging from abstract to realism to photoart. One large three-panel painting was born out of the release of emotions following the accident. It was good to see that Steve had been able to giveconstructive vent to all those emotions in an outpouring of artistic passion. So if you get a chance, stop by Firenze some morning and sample one of Luke's masterpieces while viewing some of Steve's.
It was of course a privilege to be back in Atlanta to see Shea in person. It is not news to anyone on this blog that Shea is a remarkable person, raised by remarkable parents, who inspires friends and strangers alike with a sweet voice and a spirit to match.
Shea looks strong, laughs easily and as we all know is contagiously funny. If you go out for dinner with her prepare to laugh out loud. Half the time she's making fun of herself. She's just one of those people who cares about everyone else more than herself even when she has every right to think only of herself. (If you know the mom and dad you know where that comes from). Shea's also fortunate to have a brother like Luke who she can lean on. It was neat to see them very easy with one another just enjoying a fun night together.
So with everything seeming so normal, no one can be faulted for thinking everything is back to normal. But of course it isn't. Shea faces some serious and difficult surgeries on a timetable that keeps getting pushed back and can't be hurried. Her chosen profession and training has been put on hold. She's got temporary teeth that she has to remove whenever she eats and her vision is still blurred. Add to this the loss of her wonderful friend, Mike, and at age 19 Shea faces physical and psychological battles we can't fully comprehend.
As Shea goes through periods of darkness and frustration she needs all of us to continue to encourage her and to support her (and all the Hickoks) in prayer. This blog has done much to buoy and inspire Shea. The perserverance of support is truly remarkable. For all of us who love the Hickoks it is an honor to be part of Shea's Blog Brigade.
John Anderson
Before dinner we stopped off at Firenze, the cool coffee shop owned by good friends of the Hickoks where Luke works his barista magic each morning. He has great friends there, and it's clear he loves what he does. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I enjoyed all the Hickok art displayed throughout the shop. The works include a number of large pieces demonstrating Steve's comfort in art forms ranging from abstract to realism to photoart. One large three-panel painting was born out of the release of emotions following the accident. It was good to see that Steve had been able to giveconstructive vent to all those emotions in an outpouring of artistic passion. So if you get a chance, stop by Firenze some morning and sample one of Luke's masterpieces while viewing some of Steve's.
It was of course a privilege to be back in Atlanta to see Shea in person. It is not news to anyone on this blog that Shea is a remarkable person, raised by remarkable parents, who inspires friends and strangers alike with a sweet voice and a spirit to match.
Shea looks strong, laughs easily and as we all know is contagiously funny. If you go out for dinner with her prepare to laugh out loud. Half the time she's making fun of herself. She's just one of those people who cares about everyone else more than herself even when she has every right to think only of herself. (If you know the mom and dad you know where that comes from). Shea's also fortunate to have a brother like Luke who she can lean on. It was neat to see them very easy with one another just enjoying a fun night together.
So with everything seeming so normal, no one can be faulted for thinking everything is back to normal. But of course it isn't. Shea faces some serious and difficult surgeries on a timetable that keeps getting pushed back and can't be hurried. Her chosen profession and training has been put on hold. She's got temporary teeth that she has to remove whenever she eats and her vision is still blurred. Add to this the loss of her wonderful friend, Mike, and at age 19 Shea faces physical and psychological battles we can't fully comprehend.
As Shea goes through periods of darkness and frustration she needs all of us to continue to encourage her and to support her (and all the Hickoks) in prayer. This blog has done much to buoy and inspire Shea. The perserverance of support is truly remarkable. For all of us who love the Hickoks it is an honor to be part of Shea's Blog Brigade.
John Anderson
posted by admin | 5:59 PM
17 Comments:
Thanks, John...
I feel exactly the same way. Steve was my art teacher in high school, and your eloquent description of an intimate evening highlighted in part by the sharing of his gift brings back warm memories of similar times, perhaps under much easier circumstances for them all. Love can be challenging to express to various people that intersect our lives, but never feels easier than with friends such as these, who leave us feeling grateful for the time we're given with them.
Peace...
Hayes
Dear Shea & Hickok Family, it was good to get Uncle John's gentle "word picture" today. You are never far from our minds and remain in our heart and prayers, that God's peace would continue to carry you. He loves you with an everlasting love! (Jer. 31:3) Sharon & Gaylard
Susan~ I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!
Steve~ I didn't know you were still painting. That's awesome. Patrick and I just came across one of your paintings you gave him (in high school maybe???) and he took it to church to hang in his office.
Shea~ Sometime in the future I want our families to get together so you can make us laugh! When we knew you here in Phoenix- I would see you w/ your friends and you guys were always so giggly. Your mom would keep Cassie for me sometimes and I would come pick her up and you would be there w/ us like you were a little adult. I remeber when you all went to Heart to Heart Acad. and there was a fundraiser and Courtney asked your mom if she'd like to buy something. Your mom and I reminded her that you went to the same school and that she would make a purchase from her kids. You felt so bad and whispered to your mom that it was ok if she bought something from Courtney. You were so sweet and cared for others even at a young age.
We too just had a camping trip recently and the kids caught a bunch of fish. All I caught were the moments on film. I'm not into fishing but I got some great picts of the kids.
Shea~ we love you and always are praying for you. I know there are hard/sad days. I wish it wasn't like like. God will get you through your hurting and frustration.
We love you Hickock family. Enjoy your spring.
Love,
Jeni Gibbs
for the Gibbs family
so nice to have an update, John from NPC, as Shea remains in my prayers! Love from a friend in Darien :)
This brought back memories of the special painting Steve did during the worship service at SBC. Now, to be putting your feelings into paintings must be so special for you and for others.
Shea, I will especially be praying for your vision. I went to our retreat last week-end and listened to your cd. There were a couple of us that had a prayer time, and I brought my boon box over. Had our group worship first to, Intimate Father. It so blessed every woman in the room and got our hearts ready to pray. We will pray for you tomorrow night at our Bible study for the time to go faster for you. May everything just fall into place as it is supposed to!!!!
We had an incredible retreat; wish I could just tell you everyhting.
Most of all, we learned to remember that we are God's TREASURE!! And they shall be mine says the Lord, when I make up my jewels. Mal. 3:17
The mystery of joy; The joy of the Lord is my strength Neh 8:10
Key observation: It is the Lord's joy that is our strength. What causes the Lord to be joyful? We personally bring Him joy and that's how we get our renewal. Dare to believe that we bring God joy; the key is to believe that!!
Anyway, that is just a little part of what we learned and I believe every woman was changed. Hope that little bit speaks to you right where you are at. You are His incredible treasure and you bring Him great joy!!!
Blessings to each one of you,
Denise N
Life can seem so random! But from a Heavenly perspective, our lives are beautiful works of art.
When I was a kid, I remember sitting on the livingroom floor, watching TV. My older sister came into the room and sat down on the couch behind me. She had her basket of needlepoint with her.
She pulled out the piece she was working on and began to thread a needle with bright red thread. The thread was thick, though ... almost more like a thin ribbon than a thick thread. She picked up the frame over which her fabric was stretched, and began to work.
Sitting on the floor, all I could see was the underside of her work. And I thought, "Oh, what is she doing now?" From my perspective, it was a disaster ... a jumbled mess of brightly colored threads with obvious loose ends, all tangled up together and having no purpose or pattern.
Getting ready to tease her about her mess, I asked if I could see what she was working on.
Without a word, she turned it around so I could see it from her perspective ... and it was beautiful! I don't even recall the exact pattern, but there were bright colors and a clear design, working together to create something beautiful.
I don't remember what I said to her, but I certainly didn't tease her, and whatever I said made her smile a bit.
I had no faith in my sister, and I was wrong. But I have faith in my Loving Heavenly Father, the Author and Finisher of my faith ... and my life.
I can't wait to see my own life from an "Above" perspective one day. The loose ends and tangles of knots will all make sense.
And I can't wait to see your life, too, Shea. You've started with good cloth (thanks to your Mom and Dad), and you've been stretched ... TIGHTLY ... and the threads have been alternating between dark colors ... greys ... and the bright colors of victories and joys.
Perspective will make all the difference.
Carolyn
Portlan
Dear John, Shea, and Hickok family,
Thanks, John, for the good account of your visit with the Hickoks. We love to see new entries in the blog. This is kind of a wilderness time for Shea and her family, and yet it is good to hear that these waiting times are met with continued grace and trust--and even good humor!
It was good to get a snapshot not only of a good evening with family but also of the ongoing work of grace in the Hickok family. So many families are torn apart by trouble, but it is clear that this whole trial has brought each of you closer together. We look on with a real sense of gratitude to God for what He has done.
We continue to pray for you, Shea, during these difficult days of waiting. The New Living Translation translates Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His masterpiece..." Masterpieces take time and care, but the finished product is always worth it all. You've seen that in your father's paintings, but it may be more difficult to see in yourself. As Uncle John has related, we who are looking on see the masterpiece emerging--and we pray that God will give you the stamina to wait on Him, the Artist at work. A tough assignment for anyone, and especially a young person!
We love you, honey! Grandpa Anderson and all of us send our love.
Aunt Kathy
Aww Shea, the girls' sleepover was so much fun with you there! So many funny times! lol love you girlie! ...maybe next time you can come to six flags with us :) God Bless!
Dear Hickoks: You know it's been a while since I've touched base. We've had some testings in my own family, but the Lord brought you to mind this evening and I sat to check the blog. I was blessed by your Uncle Johns account of his visit with you all. I still pray for you as the Lord Jesus brings you to mind. In Jesus Name, Debbie Miller
hey shea!
i'm still here with you. i don't need pics of your smile to know it's beautiful. i can just close my eyes and imagine the glow of life from deep inside your soul.
i still read and i'm always intrigued by the love that you pour from within.
i pray that the battles will cease and the light that you shine will calm any darkness.
i love you and pray for your peace,
Heather
And for those who want to know where to see Steve's art... Firenze Coffeehouse and Gallery is located in Suwanee, GA next to Washington Mutual in front of the Super Walmart. Steve has about a dozen paintings in the gallery, all of them simply stunning!
Dear Shea,
It's Good Friday; soon it will be Easter Sunday. I recall a preacher saying after every Good Friday, comes Easter Sunday.
Somehow it's difficult to think how the day the Lord suffered could be called 'Good' Friday. I pray that you remember that your day of celebration will follow. May you and your family enjoy a beautiful Easter Sunday.
May God shower you with blessings today.
Thinking of each one of you this week. My son had his wisdom teeth pulled out on Monday. He has had a really rough week. It so breaks my heart to see him hurting; only a family member can really feel that ache with them. I was just thinking of each one of you and the amazing strength and faith and love you have to keep going!!!!!! It truly is easier when we have our Father right there beside us!! How He knows our pain as we remember His ultimate sacrifice, and how much He says to us, You can do this!! Follow me, I finished in victory, and how we can too!!
I keep you in prayer for a mighty move of God in your family, church, and healing!!!!!!!!
May He speak anew to each of us this Easter week-end.
Hope He renews your strength, joy, peace, as we thank Him with all our heart, for ALL He has done,
Denise N
Shea,
It was so amazing to meet you Sunday at the Bridge. After praying for you and your family for months, it was wonderful to see your face and hug you. You looked beautiful! You have made such an impact on so many people. Your faith and testimony and continual perserverance are an example for all of us. You are always in our prayers and I know God has great plans for your future!
In Christ,
Lindsay Jernigan
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD. Ps 27:13-14
I am still praying for you guys. I hope you are all doing well- and really enjoying God's joy, peace, and contentment. Thanks again and again for bearing witness to God's truth. Love and prayers, Marian Madden
precious Shea. Has it really been months since we've sat and talked? i can't even believe its already April. i miss you so much shea. lets run into each other at the mall again, but this time lets sit on a bench and just talk. sound good? ok! haha.... i think about you all the time... love you and miss you.
~jessica
Good Morning Shea. My first post got lost in a network problem, so this one will be a shorter version.
I just want to know how we can be praying for you. Encouragement, a specific need or upcoming milestone. Our job is to lift you up to the Father so that he is glorified in the work he does to and through you.
Let us know how we can be praying for you.
Tim & the family
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